We visit the township of Nyanga as we continue to follow the young leaders who have shown the courage to choose a brighter future with the support of The Message Trust Community Transformation Hubs.

Known as one of the most dangerous townships, Nyanga is also one of South Africa's oldest townships having been established in 1946. Many residents live below the breadline and, much like the community of Parkwood, the youth of Nyanga face the daily challenge of gangsterism, crime and substance abuse. And yet despite this, stories of transformation emerge thanks to The Message Trust.

Pleasant joined the Nyanga Community Hub in 2015 while still in Primary School. He participated in the soccer coaching offered to local schools by the Hub and soon emerged as a leader. The skills he was learning on the soccer pitch led to improvements in other areas of his life, with his parents commenting on his changed behaviour at home. Aside from participating in the football coaching, Pleasant benefitted from the homework assistance provided by the Hub in Mathematics and English. He seemed to have a natural affinity for Mathematics and in 2017 when he started high school, Pleasant made a choice to give up soccer to focus on his academics. Even during the closure of schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, he kept up with his school work and was ahead of his classmates when schools re-opened. Pleasant is currently completing his final year of school having taken Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science and Geography as his Matric subjects. He is working towards attaining results which will enable him to commence his tertiary studies in 2023 towards a degree in medicine, genetics or physiotherapy. We are confident that with the ongoing support of The Message Trust Community Hub, he will achieve his goals.

Visit https://message.org.za/ nyanga/ to learn more about the Nyanga Community Transformation Hub.

LegalWise was privileged to sponsor new soccer kits for the teams at the Nyanga Community Hub with the handover taking place on 26 August 2022. Champions from our Cape Town Service Centre visited the Hub for the handover and were moved by the joy they experienced. “I am so grateful to have had this experience. It's amazing! The excitement on the children’s faces was priceless,” Robyn Kleintjes, Manager: Service Centre, Cape Town.

* In the pictures above - The Nyanga Hub soccer team receiving their new soccer kit at the Nyanga Hub, with our LegalWise Champions in attendance.